As a Player/Performer/Teacher…

Sammy Foster has played drums for me a few times on the glowing
recommendation of a mutual friend. Sammy is a breath of fresh air –
a drummer who knows dynamics and can keep steady time.
Those are qualities that even many professional drummers
I’ve played with are still somewhat lacking.
For the music I play the band seldom has much practice time,
and we depend heavily on personal preparation before gigs.
Sammy showed up each time knowing his parts and being
incredibly easy to work with.  It is also refreshing to play with someone
who is so genuine and really enjoys making music.
His laid-back demeanor and excellent work ethic make him someone
I would call in a heartbeat for future gigs.

-Michael Raia (Music Minister Emmaus Parish Church)

I knew Sammy Foster was a talented (and musical) drummer when I
invited him to join my band four years ago. What I didn’t realize was
that he would become one of my best teachers.

Sammy is always learning and he loves to share that knowledge. Whether
it’s a band practice or a one-on-one practice session, I always leave
with a better feel for rhythm and enhanced understanding of music
theory after we meet. And perhaps the best part is that it doesn’t
actually feel like learning. It’s just fun.

-Gina (Latin/folk/rock) GinaChavez.com

I have had the pleasure of having Sammy as a member of the
Austin Samba School for two years. As a musician he is a superb
player and a good teacher. As such he has rapidly moved into a
leadership role. In addition to his technical ability,
he brings to the table a very nice attitude and an approach to teaching
which puts the students at ease and allows them to learn more quickly.
Sammy is professional and dedicated and has a large fund of knowledge
about all things rhythmic. I can recommend him without reservation as a musician,
teacher and a forthright and reliable person.

-Jacare Austin Samba School AustinSambaSchool.org

“Sammy is one of the finest drummer’s I’ve ever have played with.
In addition to having the chops, funky grooves, and the steadiness of a metronome,
he’s very professional, easy to work with, and laid back.
He can pick up anything you want him to learn quickly, and is great at improvising.
In addition, his teaching methods are inventive and thorough.
The presence he brings to his instruction will help build the right habits
for drummers starting up, and help even advanced players take it to the next level.”

-Jordan Allen (Achachay) Achachay.com

“If you want drum lessons there are many people you can go to,
If you want to love learning drums there is only one choice: Sammy Foster.
Sammy gets everyone drumming and driven to learn more so they can do it better!”

-Hope Young, Owner/Founder Center for Music Therapy, Inc.  CenterForMusicTherapy.com

“Sammy Foster is one of the most talented and well rounded drummers
that I’ve had the pleasure to play with. He knows what each member of
the band is looking for within the sound of the music and can conform to
the sound perfectly. He uses his creativity to add not just a rhythm,
but a layer of sound and style all his own to enhance each and every song.
He maintains a professional focus and understanding of the band situation
but always has fun with the music. Sammy’s unique style and creativity have
added a distinct depth to our songs and allowed me to enjoy all the times
that we have performed together over the past eight years.”

- Barton Starnes (Rewind The Rescue)

As a Teacher..

I’ve had five different drum teachers and none have inspired me
or motivated me to learn as much as Sammy.
He’s kind patient and really good at drums. Thanks Sammy.
-Other Sam (13 yrs. old)

At age 73, I never expected to be drumming.
But Sammy has been an incredible teacher- patient,
clear, and enthusiastic – and i’m almost ready to go on the road.
-L.B.

With Parkison I never expected to be able to play drums.
Sammy has shown me that I can do it. He is GREAT!
-M.E.

Dear people of austin, if you want to learn to play the drums you
need to pick sammy as your teacher because he understands
how people think and just an over all good drummer.
He helped me get more confident in drumming.
-D.K.

Sammy is a great drum teacher.
I like he is teacher.
He does good job at teaching me.
-B

Sammy Foster introduced me to playing drums in an
one-hour class for people with mobility deficits. I have parkinson’s.
He was graceful in his instructions–
not the least patrorizing through working with a special and limited class.
I left the class renewed in my humanity– inspired.
-A.K.

I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do for [My Grandpa.]
I don’t know if you realize how much you are helping him
and how much he appreciates you.
Your drum class is his favorite class of the week and
he and my grandma always talk about how fun your class is.

Watching you work with my grandpa and the others
in your class was really awesome.
I was amazed by the progress I could see my grandpa
make in the process of drumming with you that Saturday,
and after the session he was so much clearer
and very mentally aware. It was incredible.

-M.J. (Granddaughter)